Head of Nokia India, now called Microsoft devices Group, P Balaji has resigned less than a month after Microsoft took over the Finnish company's mobile phone division. Balaji had been appointed as Nokia India head in July 2012.
He was earlier heading Sony Ericsson’s India operations.
According to industry sources, Balaji will continue at Nokia as an Advisor till October. He had communicated his decision to employees, operators and other partners over the last 2-3 days.
Balaji has been associated with the telecom industry for over two decades. He was brought into Nokia by the company’s former India head D Shivakumar primarily to take advantage of his deep understanding of the stakeholders in the telecom sector.
Balaji, who was managing Government relations for Ericsson at one point in time, also played a part in trying to settle Nokia’s tax dispute.
But post-Microsoft acquisition of Nokia’s handset business, the US technology giant has been streamlining its devices business globally. Company insiders, however, say that Balaji’s exit is not linked to the Microsoft deal.
When contacted a company spokesperson said, “After spending almost two years with Nokia and now in Microsoft Devices Group, P Balaji has decided to move on from the organisation for personal reasons.”
Balaji was instrumental in helping driving momentum behind Lumia and building the X family of phones.
“While we look for potential candidates for the position, Ajey Mehta, the current Head of Sales Operations - India Middle East and Africa, will be the acting Area Head for India. Ajey will continue in his current role at the same time,” said a company statement.